Did everyone forget Monty was here a year before Paul was? What did Ayton do then? I know it was his second season but Trae Young and Luka were making All-Star teams in their second seasons while Ayton got a PED suspension.
He hasn't grown like some claim and he also hasn't really sacrificed either. His usage rate is very similar despite taking almost 3 less shots a game. His 2nd season that was the highest it's been at 23.7 and now it's 21.4. His minutes have gone down since the Suns brought in a good backup, Ayton went from averaging 32.5 mpg down to 29.7 last season.
His FG's have dropped some but that can be blamed on his lack of aggression. He averaged 14.9 in year 2 while averaging 12.0 last season. Despite dropping 3 FG attempts a game though his usage is essentially the same and his PPG is only down 1 whole point, from 18.2 to 17.2.
His free throw rate has been stagnate because he isn't aggressive. His lowest FT total was his second season, which is when he was used the most, averaging a paltry 2.3 attempts a game. Last season was 2.4 attempts. His highest was his rookie season where he averaged 2.7.
So he's gotten a little more efficient, which is nice, but he hasn't done anything to help increase his role as far as being able to put the ball on the floor for a shot or to draw a foul. He almost always passes or shoots within 2 seconds of getting the ball and I know the offensive philosophy is to move the ball but others try and create for themselves but Ayton doesn't unless he's spoonfed. That's on him.